What do you think about when you think of paradise? You probably think of some place with a nice warm climate, a safe and friendly environment, and with beautiful surroundings – Probably somewhere in nature, or on a beach where you can escape from the city. For us Africa lovers with a keen sense of adventure, a place where antelope, mongoose and leopards forage in the town backyards, and hippo roam the streets at night would be a good start! Believe it or not there is such a place, and it’s called St. Lucia, on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
With only one road leading into town, St. Lucia Estuary is probably the only town in the world, which is surrounded by a World Heritage Site, situated in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. It is home to 800 hippos and 1200 crocodiles and a few bull sharks. On the East it is bordered by the warm Indian Ocean, and on the North the Eastern Shores section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
The town itself has one ‘main street’ flanked with shops and restaurants. The remaining streets have a park-like appearance, and the subtropical climate makes it green year-round.
Antelope, leopard, honey badger, mongooses, bush pigs and hippos have all been seen foraging in town. The hippos are known to walk around town every night, so when you are here, take a drive around town around 9:00pm, and you should find at least one somewhere.
There are so many activities to do St. Lucia!
A must do is the hippo & croc tour along the estuary. See hippos, crocodiles and a myriad of birdlife, all mere meters away from the boat.
Go for a walk on the endless beach or have a swim!
Or walk through the savannah amongst zebra and antelope! Where else can you do both on the same day?
You can go horse riding in the bush or along the coastline. You’ll be amazed how close you can approach zebra and wildebeest when you’re on horseback.
And what about an adventurous activity such as Whale Watching! See humpback whales breach less than 50m from the boat, or spot dolphins surfing the waves.
Of course, you could go on a fantastic game drive in either the Eastern Shores bordering St. Lucia, the Western Shores which is a 10 minute drive away, or the famous Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park which is a 50 minute drive away.
There are plenty of opportunities to buy your loved ones souvenirs? St. Lucia has a variety of souvenirs shops and local sellers stalls on the main street and at the start to the boardwalk!
Why don’t you stay with us at St. Lucia Eco Lodge during your visit to St. Lucia? It is the perfect spot to relax by the pool, or on the veranda with magnificent views out over the estuary to Maphelane, or just to chill in the beautiful gardens with a good book or explore the silvine grounds around the lodge.
Tourism Tails 